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Download the installation package for Windows from Download OpenCPN.

• Use the stable release for navigation en route, or if you just started using OpenCPN.
• Exit all other programs, including your anti virus program - known to create problems in some cases. Unplug your network cable, to be on the safe side.
• Run the downloaded installer. Re-start your anti-virus. Re-connect the network
• If upgrading from a previous version of OpenCPN, there is no need to un-install the old version. Simply install the new version and it will upgrade OpenCPN, saving all your existing configuration and preferences.
• If this is a new installation, click on the Toolbox icon and configure your GPS source, chart directories, and other settings. It is highly recommended that you use the Chart Downloader Tab to setup directories and download charts.
• If your installation goes well, but OpenCPN does not start as expected, try to download and install these runtime components.

To install OpenCPN or Plugins it is necessary to make some changes to Windows 11 as follows:

1. Settings
2. Apps
3. Choose where to get apps

There are four options

1. Anywhere
2. Anywhere, but let me know if there is a comparable app in the Microsoft Store
3. Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that's not from the Microsoft Store
4. The Microsoft Store only (recommended)

Any of the above except for the (recommended) will allow installation. For most users the third option is probably the safest choice.

Win 8 RT is not supported.
Win CE is not supported.
Win XP SP 2 or 1 are not supported. The last OpenCPN version that included support was 2.6.1624.
Win XP SP 3 will be dropped in the next release. Get ready.
Win 2000 is not supported. The last OpenCPN version that included support was 2.5.0.
Win 98/ME are not supported. The last OpenCPN version that included support was 2.1.0.

Old versions of OpenCPN are available on SourceForge.